OAKBROOK, Ill., Nov. 14, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As an honor to those who have served and continue to serve this country as members of the armed forces, Republic Bank of Chicago is introducing Freedom Banking, a new program to support veterans and service members, launching on Veteran's Day, November 12, 2012. Freedom Banking is available to veteran and service members who formally served or are currently serving in qualified programs.

Republic Bank of Chicago hosted a luncheon recently with leaders of various Chicagoland veteran and service member community organizations at the bank's Oakbrook banking center to kick-off the bank's new Freedom Banking program, supporting veterans and service members by offering resources that relate and respond to veterans' unique financial issues. For more information call 630-570-7700.

Focused entirely on the specific challenges facing veterans and service members, Freedom Banking is a program that extends far beyond financial benefits and honors veterans and service members. It is an initiative designed to readjust service men and women to civilian life, offering resources that recognize and respond to their unique issues.

Republic Bank's new program will directly benefit those organizations that support veterans and service members. To kick-off the program, the bank is sponsoring a donation campaign beginning November 12, that will grant $25 to each veteran or service member organization associated with the bank. The organization will receive this donation every time any new checking or money market account is opened at the corresponding Banking Center. The donation campaign runs through November 30, 2012.

The Freedom Banking program features educational seminars on financial literacy as it relates to military or service status and a public, online resource center that includes a directory of Republic Bank small business owners who offer promotions and discounts to program members, as well as an index of veteran and service member-owned small business in surrounding communities to promote support of veteran-owned enterprises. Republic Bank will also be participating in local job fairs specifically held for veterans and service members.

"Any bank can offer free checking under the banner of the American flag. What we're doing is something entirely different," said Susan Fisher, EVP Retail Banking and Director of Marketing for Republic Bank. "What we've created here is a true cooperative that is meant to link individuals and organizations with each other and provide the necessary resources that will maintain the quality of their lives and programs.

"This isn't meant to be a banking promotion under the guise of patriotism; we want to forge lasting relationships with the people and organizations within this community. We want to support, cherish and guide those that have fought tirelessly in the name of the American way of life. This is just one small step towards achieving that," states Fisher.

Republic Bank's Freedom Banking program offers the following additional benefits:

Freedom Checking Account

No minimum balance

Free checking

Direct deposit

Free checks

Online banking

Freedom Savings Account

$25 minimum balance

Savings bonus of $250 if customer maintains a minimum balance of $2,500 for three consecutive months

Free Safety Deposit Box

Competitive home equity line of credit

Invitation to educational seminars and customer appreciation events

Free annual financial check-up with a Banking Center Manager

Free Money Orders/Cashier's Check

Free notary services

"It is our hope that Freedom Banking will be a lasting initiative that reaches far beyond program members and those who choose to bank with us, because that's what this about," continued Fisher. "We want to be a fixture in the veteran and service member community – a source of assistance, protection and, most of all, gratitude. No amount of words or action can express our thanks for all these men and women have put on the line for us as citizens of this nation."

Comprehensive details on the benefits of the Freedom Banking program is available on Republic Bank of Chicago's website, including the missions of a number of affiliated veteran and service member organizations throughout the Chicagoland community that can offer additional, individualized services to those seeking help. For more information or to learn about the reliable and community-based services Republic Bank of Chicago offers, please visit www.republicebank.com.

About Republic Bank of Chicago

Since its founding in 1964, Republic Bank of Chicago has been a respected family owned financial institution with 16 branches in the Chicagoland area. Ranked third in overall performance by Crain's Chicago Business in 2010, Republic Bank dedicates itself to upholding a quality standard of service by providing creative financial solutions that enhance and inspire customers' business and personal lifestyle. Small business owners benefit from Republic Bank's custom business advice and solutions to help maximize profitability and provide for future growth opportunities. For more information, visit republicEbank.com or call (630) 570-7700. Republic Bank is Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.